Cost Vs Value-Garage Door Replacement Ranked In Top Five

One of the considerations when investing in home improvements is the cost versus value of the project. While some home improvements need to be completed regardless of the value, those looking to get the most bang for their buck may want to consider replacing the garage door. According to Remodeling.com, an online home improvement site, garage door replacements are one of the top home improvement projects that give you the highest value versus cost. 

2014 Cost Vs Value Report

Each year Remodeling releases a Cost Versus Value report, which provides a breakdown of the top home remodeling projects for the previous year and their effect on home value. This report lists the average cost for these projects, how much value they add to the home and the recouped cost on the project. The report is broken into two categories for the national averages, mid-range and upscale projects. In both categories, garage door replacement was in the top five. 

  • Mid Range. In the mid range projects, garage door replacement ranked fourth on the list, with an average investment of $1,534. The cost recouped percentage was 83.7%.
     
  • Upscale. In the higher end projects, garage door replacements ranked second, with an average project cost of $2,791 and a recouped cost of 82.9%. 

What these numbers and ranking reflect is which home improvement projects will be the best investment, adding the most value for the money spent. This is extremely important for homeowners who plan on selling their home in the next few years. Replacing an old garage door can increase the curb appeal of the home and is a wise use of home improvement funds.

Posted on behalf of Legacy Garage Doors

SAFE Garage Door Tips For Children

Garage doors can be fascinating for kids; anything that moves up and down at the push of a button can draw their attention. However, garage doors are not toys and can be extremely dangerous to a child. Weighing hundreds of pounds with many moving parts, garage doors can easily become the source of injury to a child if safety precautions are not followed in your home. With summer ahead, many garage doors will be left open while doing home projects, so now is a good time to review some SAFE garage door tips. 

  • Spring inspection. Your garage door springs are one of the most dangerous components of your door system. If the spring breaks unexpectedly while the door is open, it can come crashing down, causing injury. Make sure to have your springs regularly inspected and replaced as needed by a garage door professional.
     
  • Adjust sensors. Your garage door opener most likely has safety laser sensors to ensure that the door does not close on objects below. Adjust your sensors to ensure they are properly aligned and working correctly.
     
  • Fingers need to stay clear. Make sure that children are not touching cables or any parts of the garage door, especially when it is opening or closing. It only takes a second for a finger or hand to get caught and seriously injured.
     
  • Educate children on garage door safety. Kids need to know not to play with or around garage doors. Garage door openers should be at least five feet off the ground; however, the best solution is to keep kids away from playing around garage doors altogether. 

As useful and convenient as a garage door system is, it can be dangerous, especially to kids when safety precautions are not followed. Take the time this spring to have your garage door inspected and tuned-up by your local garage door service professional.

Posted on behalf of Legacy Garage Doors

Summer Cleaning For Your Garage Doors

Summer time is often when homeowners turn their attention to the exterior of their homes to do needed improvements and maintenance. Winter can leave driveways, patios and your garage doors all looking a little dingy. Not only will cleaning your garage door make it look better, it also can protect it from corrosion and damage. With a little soap, water and elbow grease, you can get your garage doors looking like new again this summer. 

Garage Door Spring Maintenance Tips

Almost all garage doors, including wood, steel and aluminum can be washed using a mild household cleaner and water. Usually this will be about one part cleaner to five parts water. However, always check your garage door manufacturer recommendations before using any cleaner. Using a soft cloth or sponge, wipe down your garage doors inside and out with the cleaning solution, then rinse with water and wipe dry. Once clean, inspect your garage doors for wear. 

  • Rust. If you find any rust spots, moisture has penetrated the paint. You will need to sand off the rust and repaint the area, or repaint the entire door. If left unchecked, rust will eventually ruin your door.
     
  • Bare spots. Are there bare spots where the finish or paint is gone or worn? Plan on painting or adding a finish coating to your doors this summer.
     
  • Cracks. Hard winters can leave your garage doors worse for the wear. Inspect your doors for cracks or damage from the winter storms. You may need to replace panels or the entire door if there is cracks in the surface. 

Once your doors are clean and in good repair, the next step on your summer garage door maintenance should be to have a tune-up performed on your opener. If it has been more than a year, call your local garage door service company to perform an annual tune-up and inspection.

 Posted on behalf of Legacy Garage Doors